Name: Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces each); 1 cup half and half cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 3 cups cooked egg noodles; 1½ pounds cooked and shredded chicken breast; 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 sleeve Ritz crackers; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

The aroma of a comforting Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake wafts through the kitchen, beckoning family members and friends alike. Just imagine the rich, creamy sauce melding with tender egg noodles and succulent chicken, all crowned with a crunchy, golden Ritz cracker topping. It’s a dish that not only warms your heart but also fills your home with a sense of nostalgia. Some flavors remind us of family gatherings, and every bite of this casserole echoes memories of cozy dinners spent laughing around the table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake

Whether it’s a chilly evening or a simple celebration, this Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake is here to shine. It’s the kind of meal that feels both hearty and indulgent, yet it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create this delicious masterpiece together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick bake, you’ll have a cozy dinner ready in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: Rich cheddar and tender chicken come together in a creamy sauce that promises to tickle your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Who can resist that golden, crispy topping? It’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even potlucks—you’ll impress any crowd.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap ingredients for gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheese, making it adaptable for various diets!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil (2 to 3 tablespoons): Adds flavor and helps sauté the vegetables; can be substituted with avocado oil for a lighter choice.
Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Provides crunch and freshness; if you’re not a fan, you could replace it with carrots for a sweeter flavor.
Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds sweetness and color; yellow or green peppers work too, though they have slightly different flavor profiles.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): A classic base for flavor; yellow or white onions are your best bets; avoid red onions as they are too strong.
Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic quality; fresh is preferred, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.5 ounces each): Creates a creamy base; use homemade or gluten-free options if needed.
Half and half cream (1 cup): Enhances the creaminess; you can substitute with whole milk or even almond milk for a lighter version.
Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Gives that classic cheesy goodness; feel free to mix with mild cheddar for a gentler flavor.
Cooked egg noodles (3 cups): The hearty backbone of the dish; any pasta can be swapped in, but the texture of egg noodles is divine.
Cooked and shredded chicken breast (1½ pounds): Keeps the dish filling and protein-packed; rotisserie chicken can save you time in preparation.
Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds freshness; you can leave it out if you don’t have any on hand.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste.
Ritz crackers (1 sleeve): Creates that stunning, crunchy topping; goldfish or crushed cornflakes can be a fun alternative.
Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): It’s not a typo—this cheese tops the cracker layer for an extra cheesy finish.
Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Binds the cracker crumbs and adds flavor; you could use margarine if preferred.

How to Make Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray to keep everything from sticking. This step ensures your Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake has a flawless release from the pan once it’s fully baked!

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large 4-quart Dutch oven, heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped red bell pepper, onion, and celery, and sauté them until the onion turns translucent and the veggies soften—about 5 to 6 minutes. The vibrant colors and sizzling sounds will surely get your mouth watering!

Add Garlic and Base Ingredients: Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Next, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the two cans of cream of chicken soup along with a cup of half and half until well combined and heated through. This creamy mix will form the delicious base of your Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake!

Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely into the sauce. The moment the cheese begins to meld, a delightful wave of cheesy goodness will fill your kitchen—a fantastic indication you’re on the right track!

Combine Noodles and Chicken: Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles and the shredded chicken breast, mixing them evenly into the creamy filling. You want to ensure every noodle and chunk of chicken is coated in that cheesy concoction. The sight of this mixture will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner.

Season and Pour: Add the chopped parsley along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it in well, letting those flavors combine perfectly. Carefully pour this delicious mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form the base of your casserole.

Crush and Combine Crackers: Now let’s work on that irresistible topping! Place a sleeve of Ritz crackers into a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin. Don’t worry about them being perfectly uniform—it’s the taste that counts! Transfer the crushed crackers to a bowl, and mix them with 4 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 cup of shredded cheddar until they’re all coated.

Top and Bake: Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole filling. You might want to press them down gently to ensure a nice, even crust. Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted, creating a beautiful bubbly crown for your Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until it’s heated through. Note that while the flavors remain delicious, the texture may change slightly, but a refresh in the oven can work wonders!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be cautious with your sautéing time—overcooked vegetables can become mushy. You want that perfect balance of tenderness for a great texture.
If you use leftover chicken, make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Consider mixing in some frozen peas or broccoli for added nutrition and color—they can easily be thrown into the mix during the noodle folding stage.
Make ahead by preparing the casserole without baking, storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
For extra flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the creamy mixture for a kick!
Always taste your filling for the right seasoning before topping it with crackers—you can always adjust!

The Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake is not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the soul while satisfying the belly. Every ingredient complements another, creating a lovely harmony of flavors that you, your family, and your friends will enjoy. Feel free to experiment a bit—add your favorite veggies, or perhaps try different cheeses—it’s a dish that allows your culinary creativity to shine.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use raw chicken, just add it to the sauté step. Cook the diced chicken with the vegetables until browned and cooked through, before proceeding with the rest of the recipe. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked to safe temperatures (165°F) prior to adding the other ingredients.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

Homemade versions can be a great substitute! You could make a simple roux with butter and flour, whisking in chicken broth until thick. If you want to keep it creamy, a mix of sour cream or yogurt can also work, just note it may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake, simply substitute the egg noodles with a gluten-free pasta. As for the topping, crushed gluten-free crackers can be used in place of Ritz crackers. Watch that all other ingredients, like the cream of chicken soup, are also gluten-free.